You know how it goes in museums nowadays: it's a flurry of phones all snapping photos of the artwork, totally blocking your view of the exhibit. Talk about annoying!
There's a compulsion to take photos of your favorite pieces, but let's be honest: you walk by and snap a photo while barely actually looking at the piece of art, and then you never remember to even look at the picture you took!
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, though, has decided that this will not be the way patrons will appreciate their collection!
They're encouraging their visitors to leave the phones and the cameras at home and interact with the artwork in a whole new way.
Instead of using a camera to record their favorite pieces, the museum has taken to handing out paper and pencils, and encouraging visitors to sketch them.
And while some people might be self-conscious about their art skills, the museum says that doesn't matter. Anyone can draw with a little practice and motivation — just ask the woman who turned a simple sketch into a year-long work of art.
Check out what happens when people put down the cameras for a second and start really looking at what's around them!
(h/t: BoredPanda)
Noticing how people had the habit of snapping a photo and walking away without really taking the time to look at the works of art, the Rijksmuseum decided to try a different approach: no cameras!
Phones and cameras aren't officially banned, but the museum is suggesting that people try their hand at sketching their favorite paintings and sculptures as a way to look more carefully at them and really appreciate them.
The Rijksmuseum even held a "Big Draw" event in late October, handing out sketchbooks and pencils to patrons and setting up easels, and it had a great turnout!
Believe it or not, this is what people used to do in the times before digital cameras, and it's a great way to look at your favorite art pieces from a different perspective.
They even held some live drawing events, where visitors could emulate the old masters by drawing from live models, right in the museum!
And the museum says that your skill level doesn't matter at all, and that getting a perfect rendition isn't the point:
"You don’t even have to be able to draw because this is not about the final result, but rather about looking at what you want to draw. When you do this, you begin to see things you never noticed before. You see proportions, details, lines… you get closer to the artist’s secret."
Anyone, regardless of age or skill, is invited to draw. But as you can see, cameras are still allowed. The pencils and sketchbooks are just a creative alternative!
Mainly, though, they want people to slow down and really take in the art instead of just snapping a picture and rushing by.
"In today’s world of mobile phones and media, a visit to a museum is often a passive and superficial experience,” they write on their website. “Visitors are easily distracted and do not truly experience beauty, magic, and wonder."
By taking the time to try their hands at drawing, visitors begin to see the works of art differently, and understand how they're put together.
The Rijksmuseum "wants to help visitors discover and appreciate the beauty of art and history through drawing."
You may not be able to make it to Amsterdam, but you can still try this yourself. Instead of bringing your phone, try doodling something you'd like to remember!
And please SHARE to pass on the idea of slowing down and appreciating the world!
